Okay solar people. I have a couple questions I hope some of you could help me out with. I have just purchased a 100W Renogy starter kit and want to install it on my truck camper. I looked at the install instructions and they don't say to install a fuse between the panel and controller as well as between the controller and battery bank. I think it's probably a good idea? What size fuses should be installed? One other question. When the camper is plugged into shore power, should the solar controller be isolated? I am not knowing?

I've never fused any of it.. but everyone has a different comfort level.Usually you can 'set and forget' the solar even when plugged in.

The fuse is a good idea, especially between the controller and battery bank. You may want an off/on switch between the panel and controller so you can disconnect the panels easily prior to disconnecting the battery for maintenance.There should be no need to isolate the solar controller as chargers tend to play well together.

Fuse is to protect the wire. An 8 amp panel will never harm a 30 amp wire. Go ahead and short it all day no harm will come. As far as controller to battery... the battery can produce more current than the wire can handle so a fuse close to the battery is recommended same as for all other systems. Size depends on wire. #10 wire and 20 amp fuse will be fine.Solar goes direct on the battery. No isolation needed. No issues with multiple charging sources.

Hi,Fuse between the controller and the battery as close to the battery as you can. It may be wise to have a disconnect switch of some kind between the panel and the controller.

Usually a 12 amp fuse is recommended between the panel and the charge controller. Better yet a breaker that way you can open the circuit to work on the controller if need be. Again breaker or fuse between controller and battery; this one should be around the charger controller rating and close to the battery.

Solar questions? | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

scrubjaysnest
Explorer
May 15, 2015
Usually a 12 amp fuse is recommended between the panel and the charge controller. Better yet a breaker that way you can open the circuit to work on the controller if need be. Again breaker or fuse between controller and battery; this one should be around the charger controller rating and close to the battery.
pianotuna
Nomad III
May 15, 2015
Hi,

Fuse between the controller and the battery as close to the battery as you can. It may be wise to have a disconnect switch of some kind between the panel and the controller.
time2roll
Nomad
May 15, 2015
Fuse is to protect the wire. An 8 amp panel will never harm a 30 amp wire. Go ahead and short it all day no harm will come. As far as controller to battery... the battery can produce more current than the wire can handle so a fuse close to the battery is recommended same as for all other systems. Size depends on wire. #10 wire and 20 amp fuse will be fine.

Solar goes direct on the battery. No isolation needed. No issues with multiple charging sources.
SkiSmuggs
Explorer
May 15, 2015
The fuse is a good idea, especially between the controller and battery bank. You may want an off/on switch between the panel and controller so you can disconnect the panels easily prior to disconnecting the battery for maintenance.
There should be no need to isolate the solar controller as chargers tend to play well together.
2oldman
Explorer II
May 15, 2015
I've never fused any of it.. but everyone has a different comfort level.

Usually you can 'set and forget' the solar even when plugged in.

Forum Discussion

Solar questions?

15 Replies

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Another solar question.

Solar questions

solar question

Solar question

Solar Questions